CN1184116C - Packaging device for disc-shaped items and related mterials and method for packaging such discs and material - Google Patents

Abstract

An elongated packaging device (10) is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item (42) such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials (52) relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber (102) and at least one internal lower chamber (104) for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element (40) that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid (14) is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Description

Packaging device and method for packaging disc-shaped articles and related materials

field of invention

The present invention relates generally to a packaging device for packaging and displaying round or disc-shaped media and other materials and methods of packaging such disc-shaped media and other materials, and more particularly to packaging with or without other materials Containers and methods for packaging disc-shaped media and then repeatedly storing them.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a new and improved container for packaging disc-shaped media and other materials in stacked relation for repeated storage, the container having a first chamber and a second chamber stacked on top for receiving and securely holding disc-shaped media and other materials, respectively.

Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a new and improved method for packaging disc-shaped media and other materials in stacked relation for repeated storage, in a preferred embodiment, Other materials are placed in an open-ended container, a support is inserted into the container through the open end, media is inserted into the container through the open end and placed on the support, and a cap is placed on the open end of the container.

Background of the invention

Packaging and storage devices for media are well known. Disc-shaped media, such as CDs, DVDs or CD-ROMs, present particular problems in handling, packaging and storage due to their fine, flat recording surfaces. Such disc media are often sold in plastic boxes, sometimes called "treasure boxes". Such cassettes are generally rectangular and have a mounting hub that holds the disc media through a central hole in the disc media. Such boxes are typically retained after the disc media is sold and are used to "re-pack" the disc media between uses of the disc media. Such a treasure box is small in size and easily damaged, making it an impractical packaging container for shipping, thus basically requiring additional packaging material or needing to be placed in a larger shipping container.

Disc media is generally sold with other materials (also referred to as auxiliary materials, whether or not directly related to the contents of the disc media). Currently, the disc media in this "treasure box" is co-packaged with auxiliary materials in a larger rectangular cardboard box for easy shipping, sales and packaging. This "treasure box" had to reliably protect the disc media from contact with the auxiliary material contained in the larger cardboard box. This combination packaging arrangement in the form of a plastic box/carton is not only expensive, but also does not allow for easy and reliable re-storage of the disc media and auxiliary materials. They are often damaged during initial opening and restorage. They often do not reliably store disc media (in treasure boxes) and other materials in carton packaging after initial opening in a manner that excludes mutual contact. They often become unsightly after initial opening and repeated restorage. They are inherently difficult to handle and store.

Other types of packaging and storage devices are needed for the retail trade to organize, protect, transport, display disc media, and for storing disc media that has been sold and/or shipped in combination with ancillary materials.

There is also a need for devices that can effectively and efficiently organize, protect, transport, display, and store disc media with other materials for the retail industry.

An opportunity that has not been commercially exploited currently exists to distribute disc-shaped recording media with materials that are either in ancillary relationship to the contents of the disc media or not at all. This opportunity has not been exploited because of the lack of an effective container design and lack of methods for the retail trade to efficiently organize, protect, transport, display, and store the discs with other materials.

Summary of the invention

An important object of the present invention is to provide a container and a method in which the disc-shaped media and auxiliary materials can be packaged in a superimposed relationship, and then, after unpacking and use, can be conveniently packaged in a stacked relationship. Set relationships are re-hoarded to avoid contact between them.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method that does not require a separate disc media packaging box (ie, "treasure box").

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method that securely holds and protects disc media from movement and protection during initial storage, shipping, retail display and repackaging.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a shipping container and method for packaging, displaying, transporting, dispensing and storing disc-shaped media and other materials.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide an aesthetically unique and convincing apparatus and method for retail display of disc-shaped media and other materials, which may or may not be related to the content of the media.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the inner wall of the first chamber of the container is cylindrical and has a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the disc media, thereby retaining the disc media in the container And prevent disc media from moving in its plane.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the ring or protrusion mounted on the inner wall of the first chamber defines a cavity for inserting the disc media with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the disc media. openings, thereby retaining the disc media within the container and preventing the disc media from moving in its plane.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein a lip or protrusion protrudes from the inner wall of the first chamber of the container and defines an opening with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the disc medium, the disc The media may seat on the lip or protrusion, thereby retaining the disc of media within the container and preventing movement of the disc of media in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the disc of media.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a packaging container and method wherein the container has a removable lid which is attached to the container when the disc media is initially positioned or subsequently restocked on the base and which prevents The disk of media moves in a second, opposite direction perpendicular to its plane.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the base and lid are removable and the base and lid can be combined to form a single permanent storage and restorage package for disc media.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a packaging container and method wherein the collar or protrusion mounted on the inner wall of the first chamber defines an annular column having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the central hole of the disc medium, thereby Capable of retaining the media disc on the annular post in the container and preventing the disc media from moving in its plane.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a packaging container and method wherein a replaceable protective insert is positioned in the container in front of the disc media to protect the disc media from contact with other materials.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method in which a replaceable protective insert is placed in front of the disc media in the container to protect the disc media from contact with other materials, the insert can be Access to the secondary material is removed by the removal of the disc and the insert is replaced after restocking the secondary material in the container and before restocking the disc material in the container.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a packaging container and method wherein the disc media support is removable for complete, free access to the second chamber below the disc media.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the first chamber is in a removable lid.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the first chamber is in a removable lid and the disc media support is a fixedly attached inner center of said lid and extends from the lid. Center column for location extension.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the removable lid has a first chamber for disc media and a second chamber for other materials, a first chamber in the container Three chambers.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the container has first and second chambers, the second chamber for storing other materials has, in addition to an opening leading to the first chamber, a A second opening.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the container has a closure mechanism for the second opening that is in contact with the closure of the opening for communicating the second chamber to the first chamber. Institutions separate and stay away.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a packaging container and method wherein the container has a profile for the first chamber so that the first chamber can serve as a base for the container.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method wherein the container has a profile for the second chamber so that the second chamber can serve as a base for the container.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging container and method for disc-shaped media and other materials in which the top and bottom covers are removable and can be combined to form a container for disc-shaped media. smaller container.

To achieve these and other objects, the preferred form of the container of the present invention is a cylindrical body provided with a removable lid and first and second chambers. The first chamber is located immediately below the cover and has an internal structure defining a circumferential support for the disk of media. The inner structure is a one-piece collar having an upstanding collar (with an inner wall having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the disc media) and a lip (which defines an opening with a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the disc media) ) so that the media disc sits on the lip and is prevented from moving in its plane by the ring and in a direction perpendicular to its plane by the lip and cover . The internal structure also includes an annular clamp extending above the container wall and in abutting relationship, the clamp is locked to the container wall when the lid is attached to the container, but can be removed when the lid and disc media are removed. removed to allow free access to the second chamber of the container located below the first chamber. The second chamber has the same diameter as the first chamber and is of sufficient height to accommodate other materials associated or not associated with the disc media. The bottom of the second chamber away from the lid is flat and may serve as a base for the container.

In a preferred packaging method, the other material is inserted into the first part of the container through the open end of the cylindrical container, the inner support is inserted into the container through the open end, a protective element is then inserted into the container through the open end, and then through the open end. end inserting the disc of media into the second part of the container and making it in a protected mating relationship with the inner support in the container, and finally putting the lid on the container to secure the disc of media in the second part of the container and Keep container tightly closed.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

Brief description of the drawings

The novel features and characteristics of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the preferred practical mode, further objectives and advantages of the present invention can be better understood through the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention, wherein the lid and disc media are separated, showing the use of a one-piece collar member having a collar and lip;

Figure 2 is a sectional view of a part of the novel carousel packaging device (wherein the lid is placed on the container) taken along the line A-A in Figure 1, showing the first and second chambers formed;

Figure 2A is another embodiment of the device shown in Figure 2, wherein a protective element is interposed between the first and second chambers;

Figure 2B is another embodiment of the device shown in Figure 2A, illustrating another method of interposing a protective element between the first and second chambers;

Figure 2C is yet another embodiment of the device shown in Figure 2A, illustrating yet another method of interposing a protective element between the first and second chambers;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the novel carousel packaging device of the present invention showing the nubs and protrusions attached to the inner wall of the container;

Figure 3A is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the device, taken along line B-B in Figure 3, with a disc of media and other materials inserted and a cover attached;

3B is a side sectional view of a novel carousel packaging device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the use of the upright edge of the base and the inner wall of the lid to replace the bumps and protrusions in FIG. 3;

3C is a side sectional view of a novel carousel packaging device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing the replacement of the lugs and protrusions in FIG. 3 by the outer surface of the cover and the inner surface of an auxiliary cover;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention, showing the use of a central annular column support to support disc media, wherein the disc media is suspended above several spokes;

Figure 4A is a side cross-sectional view of the device, taken along line C-C in Figure 4, with a disc of media and other materials inserted in place, and the cover also attached in place;

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention showing fingers protruding from a frame mounted to the side wall of the container to provide central support for the disc media;

Figure 5A is a side cross-sectional view of the device taken along line D-D in Figure 5, with a disc of media and other materials inserted in place, and the cover also attached in place;

6A and 6B are side cross-sectional views of a packaging device according to another embodiment of the present invention, showing two different methods of mounting the disc media support to the outer wall of the device;

7 is a side sectional view according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the disc media and other materials are inserted in place, the protective member is inserted in place, and the cover is closed, wherein the first chamber for storing the disc media is located inside the lid;

Figure 7A is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device shown in Figure 7, wherein the disc of media is inserted within a protective envelope attached to the inner surface of the lid;

8 and 8A are side perspective, partially cutaway side sectional views showing the use of a "cover" as shown in Fig. 7 as a base, thereby allowing this part of the invention to define a second chamber of regular shape (Figure 8) or of deformable configuration;

Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention wherein the disc of media is in the lid, the lid and container including second and third chambers for storing other materials;

Fig. 10 is a side sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second chamber for storing other materials in the container includes a second opening separated and away from the lid and a removable bottom lid so that it can be removed without removing the second chamber. access to the second chamber with the lid on;

Figures 11 and 11A are side sectional views of another embodiment of the device shown in Figure 10, wherein the installation method shown in Figure 6A is used, and the removable bottom cover for the second chamber can be used with the first chamber The removable cover of the chamber cooperates to form a miniature packaging device as shown in Figure 11A;

Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device shown in Figures 11 and 11A, wherein the disk of media is retained in the manner shown in Figure 3B, and the two covers are threadedly engaged with the base, after they have been removed , can be screwed together to form a miniature packaging device;

Figures 12A and 12B are side cross-sectional views of another embodiment of the device shown in Figure 12, wherein the two covers are mated slidingly (Fig. 12A) after removal, or mated screwingly (Fig. 12B) after removal;

Fig. 13 is a side sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a cavity on the outside of the device cover forms a first chamber for the disc medium, and a seal seals the disc medium in the cavity;

Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention with the lid, disc media and protective elements removed, showing the use of a sealed base; and

Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the novel disc packaging device of the present invention, wherein the disc medium is sealed in the lid, the base is sealed separately, and the lid and base are passed through an outer packaging skin that can be torn by a cable and detachably joined.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, it is a front view of a carousel packaging apparatus 10 of the present invention. As shown, the carousel packaging device 10 includes a lower base member or container 12 and an upper lid member or lid 14 . The lower base member 12 and upper lid member 14 may form a generally cylindrical packaging device having dimensions slightly larger than the disc-shaped media to be stored. End panels 16 and 18 cooperate with lower base member 12 and upper lid member 14 to completely enclose the cylindrical packaging space.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the lower base member 12 includes a side wall 20 . The side walls may be made of cardboard (i.e. natural fiber material) or plastic (i.e. man-made synthetic fiber material) or other suitable material including metal (whose rigidity allows the base member to retain its shape, as in vacuum-sealed canned products). )production.

The base member 12 can be designed to threadably receive a base plate 16, which is of conventional design and can be fabricated from cardboard, plastic, metal or other similarly rigid material, and which can be used as a screw-on lid for a wide variety of containers. Alternatively, base plate 16 may be abutted against side wall 20 by friction, stamping, gluing, or other means. The side wall 20 has an upper section 22 which threadably receives the upper cover member 14, although in the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2 the cover is made of plastic and is snap-fitted in a conventional manner.

As best shown in FIG. 2 , upper section 22 is defined by an outer wall 24 , an inner wall 26 and a rim 28 . Lid member 14 has a side wall 30 defined by an outer wall 32 , an inner wall 34 and a rim 36 . The inner wall 34 of the lid member has a slightly larger diameter than the outer wall 24 of the base member. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is an inner structure 40 which provides circumferential support for a disc-shaped medium 42 stored in the packaging unit 10. As shown in FIG. Structure 40 includes a collar 44 having a collar 46 and a lip 48 . The inner structure 40 rests in the lower base member 12 . The outer diameter of the collar 44 is greater than the diameter of the inner wall 26 of the base member such that the collar can extend beyond the inner wall 26 and seat on the base rim 28 . The outer diameter of the ring 46 is smaller than the diameter of the inner wall 26 so that the ring rests in the inner wall 26 . The inner diameter of the ring lip 48 is smaller than the outer diameter of the disk-shaped medium 42 . Thus, the disk-shaped medium can bear against the ring lip in the area of the ring. In this manner, the collar 46 prevents the disc-shaped media from moving within the plane of the disc-shaped media. The lip 48 prevents the disc-shaped medium from moving in a direction perpendicular to its plane. When the cover member 14 is attached to the base member 12, the cover plate 18 prevents the disc-shaped medium from moving in the opposite direction perpendicular to its plane.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A , a protective element 50 is attached to the lip 48 . The protective element may be made of plastic film or any other conventional material to form a barrier between the disc-shaped media and other materials 52 stored in the base member 12 of the packaging device 10 . The protective element may be permanently attached to the ring lip, or it may be attached at the time of assembly and shipping and removed by the consumer after sale, that is, interaction between the disc-shaped media and other materials is unlikely to cause damage. The protective element can be removed in case of "rough handling".

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the protective element is removable and is sized to sit on the portion of the lip between the lip 48 and the disc shaped media. The protective element is round, resembling a disk-shaped medium, and has a central hole through which a finger can be inserted to engage, lift, and remove the protective element, and subsequently engage, lift, and install the protective element.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 2C , the protective element 50B is flexible and is removably insertable on the lower base member at a location below the annular lip 48 but above the other material 52 . The protective element is sized to correspond to the inner wall 26 and has a central hole through which fingers can be inserted to engage, lift and remove the protective element, and subsequently engage, lift and install the protective element. Alternatively, the protective element may be provided with a lift tab or other conventional means by which it can be grasped and removed.

In another embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 3A, the internal structure 40 is modified. The collar 44 with the ring 46 and the ring lip 48 is replaced here by discrete projections 54 and discrete protrusions 56 . Each of the lugs 54 and protrusions 56 are attached to the inner wall 26 in the lower base member 12 circumferentially around the inner wall 26 below the rim 28 and may perform the same function as the collar 46 and the lip 48 . Specifically, the bumps 54 prevent the disc-shaped media from moving in the plane of the disc-shaped media, ie, perform the same function as the collar 46 . Similarly, protrusions 56 are provided around the inner wall 26 to collectively prevent the disk-shaped medium from moving in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the disk-shaped medium, ie perform the same function as the annular lip 48 .

Figure 3B shows yet another embodiment in which the disc-shaped media sits on a rim 28 which prevents the disc-shaped media from moving in a direction perpendicular to its plane. When the cover 14 is attached to the base member 12, the inner wall 34 of the cover 14 prevents the disc-shaped medium from moving in its plane, while the inner surface 14a of the cover 14 prevents the disc-shaped medium from moving along a plane perpendicular to its plane. to move in the opposite second direction.

Figure 3C shows yet another embodiment, wherein the disc-shaped medium is seated on the outer surface 14b of the cover 14, and an auxiliary cover 144 snapped on the cover 14 can be used to prevent the disc-shaped medium from moving along a plane perpendicular to its direction to move. When the auxiliary cover 144 is attached to the cover 14, the inner wall 144a of the auxiliary cover 144 can be used to prevent the disc-shaped medium from moving in its plane, and the inner wall 144b of the auxiliary cover 144 can prevent the disc-shaped medium from moving along the plane perpendicular to its position. to move in the opposite second direction. The auxiliary cover 144 may include a chamber 144d into which a protective member 50b may be inserted to prevent the disc-shaped medium from contacting any material 52a placed in the chamber 144d.

In another embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 4A, the inner structure 40 is replaced by an inner support structure 58 which provides a central support for the disc-shaped media, as opposed to the circumferential support provided by the inner structure 40. support. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the modified inner structure 58 includes a loop 60 and a plurality of spokes 62 extending from the loop. As shown in FIG. 4A, the collar 60 has a raised portion 64 against which the disk of media 42 rests. Each spoke 62 has a finger portion 66 that extends upwardly and outwardly so that when structure 58 is inserted into base member 12, finger 66 frictionally engages inner wall 26 and seats on upper edge 28. The structure 58 may include webbing (similar to the flippers of a duck's feet, made of a thin material) between the fingers 66 to form a shield between the disc-shaped media 42 and the other material 52 . The interior of the collar 60 is open to allow a consumer to insert a finger into the collar to remove the disk-shaped medium 42 and structure 58 after the cap 14 is removed.

Figures 5 and 5A illustrate an alternative structure 68 that includes a collar 70 from which fingers 72 extend inwardly. At the end of the finger 72 is an upstanding protrusion 74 . Collar 70 abuts against inner wall 26 and sits on rim 28 in a manner similar to inner structure 40 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Upstanding protrusions 74 cooperate to provide a central support structure for the disc-shaped media.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the fingers 72 shown in FIGS. 6B is helically integrated in the side wall 20.

In another variant embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a central support structure for disc-shaped media is provided in the upper cover member 14. As shown in FIG. Specifically, a protrusion 80 extends from an inner wall 82 of the end plate 18 . These protrusions 80 cooperate to provide positive support for the disk-shaped media in the cover member 14 . A protective element 84 may be provided which may be removably seated within the cover as shown, or which may be inserted during manufacture and removed and discarded by the consumer after sale. The cover 14 can be mated with the base member 12 in various conventional ways, such as snap fit, sleeve fit, screw fit, and the like.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 7A , the disk-shaped media is enclosed in an envelope 84 a made of plastic or other suitable material and attached to the inner wall 82 of the end plate 18 . The envelope may be removably or permanently attached, for example by double sided tape or other commonly used means. The wrapper itself may constitute a reusable packaging container for disc-shaped media which may remain attached to the end panel 18 or be removed from the end panel 18 to allow the lid 14 to be discarded. Alternatively, the disc-shaped media can be packaged in a wrapper (not shown), then inserted together into the wrapper, and removed once the wrapper is opened.

Figures 8 and 8A illustrate other embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 8, the disc-shaped medium is stored in the lid member 14, allowing for variable configurations of the container 12. In FIG. In this variant embodiment, the cover 14 may act as a "base". The transforming base 90 for storing other material (in this embodiment a doll 92 ) has an end wall structure 94 which friction fits against an inner wall 96 to seal the cavity in the base 90 . Alternatively, threads may be provided on the wall structure 94 such that they helically engage threads on the inner wall 96 . Cover 14 and base 90 may be attached in the same manner as discussed above.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A , the cover 14 can again carry the disc-shaped medium 42 , thereby allowing the base 12 to assume a deformable configuration 98 . The deformable member 98 has a rigid inner support structure 100 designed to frictionally or helically engage the lid 14 .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the disc-shaped medium is stored in the first chamber 102 of the cover 14, which is formed by an annular support 40 similar in structure to the embodiment shown in FIG. except that the cover includes a second chamber 104 for other materials defined by the outer wall 106, and the base 12 includes a third chamber 108. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 10 (similar in construction to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 ), an additional opening 110 and a lid 116 for closing the opening 110 are provided on the container 22 . Lid 116 can be removed to gain access to chamber 104 without having to remove lid 14 .

In another embodiment shown in Figures 11 and 11A, an inner structure 40a is provided, which is a variation of the inner structure 40 shown in Figure 2, which includes an annular wall 45 surrounding the The collar 44 extends over the entire periphery and fits the outer wall of the base 12 , and the cover 14 is configured not to fit the base 12 but to fit the annular wall 45 . An additional opening is also provided as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and a cover 116a slightly changed from the cover 116 in FIG. 10 is provided except that the cover 116a not only includes a The outer ring wall 116b matches the outer wall of the base 12 and has an inner ring wall 116c for matching the inner surface of the base 12 . The outer peripheral dimension of the outer surface 116d of the outer ring wall 116b of the lid 116a is equal to the outer peripheral dimension of the outer surface 45d of the wall 45, therefore, the lids 14 and 116a can be removed, and the lid 14 that cooperates with the wall 45 can be as shown in Figure 11A. As shown, it cooperates with the outer wall 116b of the cover 116a. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 11A , the lids 14 and 116a can together serve as a miniature packaging device for the disc-shaped media 42 . In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall 116c helps to reliably prevent the disc-shaped media from moving. However, it should be understood that the advantages of the present invention may be equally achieved without this inner wall or without other retention methods.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 12 , as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B , the disc-shaped medium sits on the rim 28 , but instead of snap-fitting the cover 14x onto the base 12 , it is screwed onto the base. . Additionally, the bottom 12x of the base 12 flares outwards and contains internal threads of the same size as the cover 14x. The cover 116x includes mating external threads, and the cover 116x can be threadedly screwed into the flared bottom 12x of the base 12 . In this manner, the lids 14x and 116x can be removed from the base 12 and screwed together to form a miniature packaging unit for disc-shaped media.

In another embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the bottom of the base 12 need not be flared. In Fig. 12A, the base 12y can receive a bottom cover 116y including a cover portion 117y, the size of its outer surface 118y is equal to the size of the outer wall of the base 12y, so that the covers 14y and 116y can be slidably fitted to form a circular Micro storage unit for disc media. In FIG. 12B, the base 12z has an externally threaded portion 119z and an internally threaded portion 120z, each threaded portion extending beyond the centerline "C" of the base 12z. In this manner, when the lids 14z and 116z are removed, they can be screwed together to form a micro storage device for disc media.

FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment in which the cover 244 is seated against the base 12 and the disk-shaped medium 42 is placed in the recess 246 of the cover 244 . A seal 248 made of plastic or other suitable material is applied to the lid 244 to retain the disk of media in the lid 244 until the seal is removed by the user. Because the disk of media is in contact with side wall 250, bottom wall 252, and seal 248, the disk of media may be held in cap 244 from movement, or may be accomplished in other ways as described herein.

Figure 14 shows yet another embodiment in which the base is fabricated separately from a multi-component material, including a slightly concave end 251 having a depth 252 beyond a disc-shaped medium 42 and a protective element 50 The combined thickness of the disk-shaped medium and protective element is seated in the recessed end 251 and is held in the recessed end by the cover 14 snapped onto the base 12 . In another embodiment, the protective element may be omitted, or the disc-shaped media may be packaged in a sleeve (not shown).

Figure 15 shows yet another embodiment in which the disc-shaped media is mounted and sealed in the cover 14 (as described herein in connection with the other embodiments), and the cover 14 is attached to the base 12 by a paper wrapper skin 301 , the skin connects the cover 14 and the base 12 together. The lid 14 can be separated from the base 12 by pulling on the cord 302 , which can tear the skin 301 , terminating the circumferential connection between the lid 14 and the base 12 .

It should be understood that, in various embodiments, such a container device is provided which can be used by the retail industry for packaging, distributing and displaying disc media, and if desired, can be stored together with other materials, in this case, discs Separate chambers are provided for disc-shaped media and other materials to prevent the disc-shaped media and other materials from coming into contact with each other. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6B, the inner structure, whether it be a collar as shown in Figure 1, a discretely positioned bump/protrusion as shown in Figure 3, an upstanding edge as shown in Figure 3B, Whether the cover and auxiliary cover shown in Figure 3C, the "spoke" structure shown in Figure 4, or the "stop" structure shown in Figure 5, can be positioned in the first chamber of the lower base member 12 in each case , and help define the first chamber. Below the first chamber is a second chamber. The first chamber receives and securely holds the disc-shaped media, even under repeated removal and repackaging conditions. The second chamber can receive other materials and keep them out of contact with the disc-shaped media. Therefore, the use of separate "treasure boxes" for packaging disc-shaped media can be completely eliminated.

It should be understood that the shape of the container can vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the cylindrical base 12 can be square or rectangular, as long as the outer wall of the collar 44 corresponds to it, and the collar includes the outer wall of the collar 44. Spacer from the outer wall of the ring to the ring and lip of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make similar adjustments to other embodiments on the basis of understanding the disclosure of the present invention. The bumps/protrusions shown in FIG. 3 can be mounted on a non-cylindrical base, such as the spoke structure in FIG. 4 or the restraint structure in FIG. 5 .

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ring in FIG. 1 and the bump in FIG. 2 may be replaced by an appropriately sized inner wall 26 of the container 12 .

It should also be understood that while the figures show the use of the collar in FIG. 1, the bump/protrusion in FIG. 2, the spoke structure in FIG. Other means of attachment should follow from this disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more disk-shaped media can be accommodated using the apparatus and method of the present invention, for example, by interposing protective elements between the disk-shaped media.

Claims (11)

1. packing device comprises:

At least one disc medium (42), described disc medium has a centre hole that penetrates;

One first element (244), described first element has first chamber (102) that is used to admit described disc medium (42), described first element (244) comprises that one is used to pass in and out first opening of described first chamber (102), and wherein said first element (244) also comprises one first inside face and one first outside face;

One second element (12), described second element has one and is used to admit the material (52) that is different from described disc medium, described second element (12) comprises that one is used to pass in and out second opening of described second chamber (104), and wherein said first element is suitable for removably being attached to described second element around described second opening; And

Be used for device at described first chamber internal support and the described disc medium of protection, this device moves described disc medium in described media plane or perpendicular to straight line can not take place on the direction of media plane, allow simultaneously described disc medium in described first chamber around perpendicular to the rotational on its plane; Wherein, described supporting and fender guard comprise a central support pieces (64); this central support pieces is installed on described first inside face and from described first inside face extends; and be suitable for being inserted into and be matched with described centre hole, described central support pieces comprises that at least one inner process (74) is to be fixed thereon described disk.

2. device as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, the shape and size of described first element (244) and the shape and size of described second opening are roughly the same, thereby can make described first element removably be attached to described second element by the wipe contact between described first element and described second element.

3. device as claimed in claim 2, it is characterized in that, described second element (12) comprises sidewall (22), described sidewall defines described second opening, wherein said first element comprises a wall that extends downwards, by the wipe contact between described sidewall and the described wall, can make described first element removably be attached to described second element.

4. device as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that described wall is annular.

5. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described first chamber comprises a base plate, comprises that also one is arranged on the protecting component (50a) between described disc medium and the described base plate.

6. according to claim 1 at device, it is characterized in that described central support pieces also comprises a passage that penetrates.

7. packing device comprises:

At least one disc medium (42), described disc medium has a centre hole that penetrates;

One base (12), described base (12) has the sidewall (20) that defines a lower chambers (104), one end of described lower chambers is defined by a diapire (16), wherein said sidewall ends at the edge (40) away from described diapire, described edge defines a under shed, this under shed is across whole distance between described each sidewall, and a device that is used to pass in and out described lower chambers is provided, and described lower chambers is used to admit other material (52);

One assembly of lid, this assembly comprises a lid (244) and described at least one disc medium (42), described lid (244) has a upper surface and a lower surface, wherein said upper surface comprises a recess (246), this recess defines a upper chamber (102) that wherein has a upper shed, and described upper chamber is used to admit described at least one disc medium;

Be used for described assembly of lid is attached to around described under shed the device of described base, thereby make described assembly of lid cover described under shed around described under shed, make described disc medium and described under shed roughly be in same plane, wherein said assembly of lid is suitable for removing repeatedly and being attached to described base (12), thereby can be repeatedly, do not pass in and out described lower chambers (104) by described under shed with hindering; And

Be used for described disc medium (42) is remained on the interior device of described upper chamber (102), thereby it can not be moved as straight line in upper chamber.

8. device as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that described assembly of lid is roughly cylindrical.

9. device as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, described assembly of lid comprises that one is used to cover the lid of described recess.

10. device as claimed in claim 7; it is characterized in that; described assembly of lid comprises an inside face and is used to support and protect the device of described disc medium; described supporting and fender guard comprise a central support pieces (64); this central support pieces is installed on first inside face and from described first inside face extends; and be suitable for being inserted into and be matched with described centre hole, described central support pieces (64) comprises that at least one inner process (74) is to be fixed thereon described disk.

11. device as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, also comprises a sealing member (248), the sealing part is connected in described lid, so that described disc medium is remained in the described lid.

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